The World to Come 2021

Drama

Box Office

$206K

Budget

$8K

Runtime

105 min

Language

English

Directed by

Mona Fastvold

Made by

Feelgood Entertainment

Where to Watch The World to Come

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The World to Come Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The World to Come (2021). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

In the year 1856, set against the rustic backdrop of Schoharie County, New York, the lives of Abigail and Dyer are steeped in solitude as they toil away on their farm, grappling with the profound grief of losing their young daughter, Nellie. This loss hangs heavily over them, casting a long shadow on their once vibrant existence.

Their lives take a turn when a new couple moves in next door. Among them is Tallie, whose presence quickly captivates Abigail. The bond between Abigail and Tallie blossoms into a deep friendship, rich with emotional revelations. In intimate conversations, Abigail shares her feelings of entrapment in a marriage with Dyer that lacks romance, while Tallie speaks of her own struggles with a husband, Finney, who often exhibits a controlling demeanor.

To mark Abigail’s birthday, Tallie surprises her with a long-desired atlas. However, fate intervenes when a fierce storm engulfs Tallie on her way home, nearly claiming her life. Following her recovery, the arrival of spring rekindles the warmth of their friendship, leading to a pivotal moment when Tallie confesses her dreams of a life with Abigail. Overwhelmed by their emotions, they share a passionate kiss, igniting a secret affair that brings both pleasure and turmoil.

As the affair unfolds, Dyer grapples with his own grief, becoming increasingly emotional and suspicious of Abigail’s time spent with Tallie. Simultaneously, Finney, Tallie’s husband, grows uneasy as he notices her extended absences. In a moment of concern, Abigail warns Tallie about the chilling tales of husbands poisoning their wives in the area, deepening the sense of foreboding.

Their lives intersect further when Finney invites Abigail and Dyer to dinner, where he awkwardly broaches the subject of their deceased child. A disturbing atmosphere accompanies the evening, especially when Abigail observes bruises on Tallie’s neck and Finney shares a macabre story of his pet’s demise. Following the encounter, Tallie disappears for a week, prompting Abigail to search for her. The discovery of an empty home, accompanied only by a bloodied kerchief, sends shivers down Abigail’s spine, leading her to suspect foul play.

Ultimately, a letter from Tallie reveals she has moved 85 miles away to the area of Skaneateles in Onondaga County. Despite Dyer’s reluctance, Abigail decides to visit Tallie. Tragically, upon their arrival, they learn of Tallie’s death, officially attributed to diphtheria. Fractured memories invade Abigail’s mind—passionate encounters with Tallie clash with unsettling visions of Finney cradling her.

Returning to her farm life, Abigail and Dyer strive to maintain their partnership, yet they remain emotionally distant. In her solitude, Abigail finds herself consumed by dark thoughts, envisioning scenarios where she might one day kill Finney. As comfort eludes her, she seeks solace in the imagined reunion of Nellie and Tallie in the afterlife, and when Dyer prompts her to envision something that could alleviate their shared grief, Abigail’s imagination cruelly reconfigures their reality, casting Tallie in Dyer’s place.

The World to Come Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The World to Come (2021) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Isolation in Schoharie County

In 1856, Abigail and Dyer live a secluded life as farmers in Schoharie County, New York. They are deeply affected by the tragic loss of their young daughter, Nellie, which has left a void in their lives and a strain on their marriage.

1856 Schoharie County, New York

New Neighbors Arrive

A new couple, Tallie and Finney, moves in next door, and Abigail is immediately drawn to Tallie. This marks the beginning of an unexpected and profound friendship between the two women, providing Abigail with a sense of companionship that she has been missing.

Schoharie County, New York

Confessions of Marital Strife

During their friendship, Abigail shares her feelings of discontentment with her marriage to Dyer, revealing it is based more on practicality than love. In turn, Tallie confides in Abigail about the difficulties she faces with her controlling husband, Finney.

A Thoughtful Gift

For Abigail's birthday, Tallie gifts her a long-desired atlas, emphasizing the bond that has developed between them. This gesture signifies not only a deepening friendship but also a shared escape from their respective marital issues.

A Dangerous Storm

After the birthday celebration, Tallie encounters a violent storm on her way home. The near-fatal experience leaves her shaken, prompting Finney to take her away to recuperate, which temporarily interrupts her visits to Abigail.

Springtime Reunions

Once spring arrives, Tallie resumes her visits with Abigail, reaffirming their deepening connection. As they spend time together, the emotional intensity between them grows, revealing an undeniable desire.

A Hidden Affair

Their friendship blossoms into a romantic affair when Abigail and Tallie kiss, expressing their mutual feelings. They begin secretly meeting, which brings both joy and turmoil to Abigail's life as her marriage becomes increasingly strained.

Growing Jealousy

As Abigail becomes emotionally invested in her relationship with Tallie, Dyer notices her absence and grows increasingly concerned. Meanwhile, Tallie's husband, Finney, becomes aware of her frequent disappearances, leading to mounting tensions.

Dinner with Finney

Finney invites Abigail and Dyer to dinner, during which he awkwardly brings up the topic of their deceased child. Abigail notices strange bruises on Tallie's neck, heightening her fear for her friend's safety amid unsettling behavior from Finney.

Tallie's Disappearance

After an uncomfortable dinner, Tallie goes missing for a week. Abigail's search leads her to an empty house and a bloody kerchief, igniting her suspicions of foul play amid a backdrop of growing dread about Tallie's safety.

Devastating News

Abigail receives a letter from Tallie, revealing that she has moved 85 miles away to Skaneateles. The news strikes Abigail hard, intensifying her worry and longing for their lost connection.

Skaneateles, Onondaga County

The Journey to Find Tallie

Determined not to lose Tallie, Abigail insists on visiting her despite Dyer's reluctance. This journey symbolizes Abigail's commitment to confronting her feelings and the evolving dynamics of her life.

Tragic Reunion

Upon reaching Tallie's new location, Abigail learns the heartbreaking news of her death, which Finney attributes to diphtheria. This revelation shatters Abigail, as she grapples with the loss of her beloved friend.

Skaneateles, Onondaga County

Haunting Memories

In a series of flashbacks, Abigail recalls intimate moments shared with Tallie, juxtaposed with memories of Finney holding Tallie before her collapse. These haunting recollections reveal the complexity of their relationship and the impact of Finney's control.

Life After Loss

Upon returning to the farm, Abigail and Dyer continue their chores, yet the emotional chasm between them widens. To cope with her grief over Tallie and Nellie, Abigail imagines a future where she could confront Finney and envisions Tallie comforting her in the afterlife.

Farm

The World to Come Characters

Explore all characters from The World to Come (2021). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Abigail (Katherine Waterston)

Abigail is a deeply complex character grappling with grief from the loss of her daughter. Her emotionally detached marriage to Dyer contrasts sharply with her passionate connection to Tallie. This yearning for intimacy drives her to seek solace in her friendship, ultimately leading to a romantic entanglement that challenges her understanding of love and loyalty.

🧑‍🌾 Grief 💕 Love 🎭 Complexity

Tallie (Vanessa Kirby)

Tallie embodies a spirit of longing and desire, seeking freedom from her controlling husband. Her friendship with Abigail becomes a sanctuary for both, allowing her to express her true self. However, her tragic fate raises questions about the price of love and the impact of oppressive relationships.

🌹 Desire 🕊️ Freedom ⚡ Conflict

Dyer (Casey Affleck)

Dyer is portrayed as a melancholic figure, struggling to cope with the death of his daughter. His emotional instability creates tension in his marriage with Abigail. As he becomes increasingly aware of her bond with Tallie, Dyer's feelings of jealousy and vulnerability challenge his sense of security and masculinity.

😢 Grief 🔒 Jealousy 🤔 Vulnerability

Finney (Christopher Abbott)

Finney is a controlling husband whose possessiveness creates an atmosphere of fear. His unsettling stories and actions raise suspicions about his character, contributing significantly to the story's tension. He embodies the theme of toxic masculinity and the destructive nature of jealousy in intimate relationships.

🔒 Control ⚔️ Jealousy 👀 Watchful

The World to Come Settings

Learn where and when The World to Come (2021) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

1856

The year 1856 was a period of significant societal change in America, marked by tensions leading up to the Civil War. During this time, rural communities often dealt with personal loss and rigid social norms, impacting relationships and individual freedoms. The 1850s also saw emerging movements advocating for women's rights amidst traditional roles.

Location

Schoharie County, New York, Skaneateles area, Onondaga County

Schoharie County in New York is known for its scenic countryside and rural farming life, providing a tranquil yet isolated environment for the characters. The region has a rich history and offers expansive landscapes that reflect both beauty and sorrow. The Skaneateles area, known for its picturesque lake, serves as a contrasting backdrop that highlights the emotional turmoil of the characters.

🌾 Rural 🌍 Nature

The World to Come Themes

Discover the main themes in The World to Come (2021). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

💔

Love & Loss

The movie poignantly explores the themes of love and loss, showcasing how individuals navigate grief and emotional connection. Abigail's complex relationship with Tallie offers a glimpse into the transformative power of love amid tragedy. The longing for companionship in the wake of loss drives the character's actions and decisions throughout the film.

🌪️

Chaos & Control

The theme of chaos vs. control is prevalent, as both Tallie and Abigail attempt to assert their autonomy within the confines of controlling relationships. The storms that disrupt their lives symbolize external turmoil that affects their internal worlds. The manipulation and power dynamics between the couples highlight the challenges of personal freedom.

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The World to Come Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of The World to Come (2021). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

In the summer of 1856, the rolling hills and dense woods of upstate New York form a quiet, isolated world where the rhythm of farm life is dictated by the seasons and the lingering echo of loss. The modest homestead, surrounded by fields that stretch toward a distant horizon, feels both a sanctuary and a reminder of what has been taken. Light filters through the trees with a soft, almost reverent quality, setting a tone that is both serene and suffused with an unspoken melancholy.

Abigail lives on this land with her husband, a man whose stoic exterior masks a deep sorrow for the child they have lost. Their marriage, once built on shared hopes, is now weighed down by grief and the daily grind of labor, leaving both partners to navigate a fragile intimacy that seems increasingly out of reach. The house they maintain together bears the imprint of their shared past, yet the silence between them grows louder with each passing day.

When a new family settles next door, Tallie arrives like a breath of untamed wind—her free‑spirited demeanor and keen intellect stand in stark contrast to the farm’s measured pace. Though bound by her own marital commitments, she feels a restlessness that mirrors Abigail’s quiet desperation. Their first encounters are marked by tentative conversations that reveal a yearning for connection beyond the confines of duty, hinting at a bond that could redraw the boundaries of their inner lives.

The film unfolds as a delicate meditation on longing and the search for companionship in a world that offers few outlets for desire. Its tone is introspective, the landscape itself acting as a silent confidante to two women who, amidst the whisper of wheat and the hush of night, begin to explore what it means to be seen, heard, and truly understood.